Don Mischer to direct Oscars telecast

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Don Mischer is to direct the Academy Awards telecast in Los Angeles for a third consecutive year, producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced.

Mischer served as producer, as well as director on the 83rd and 84th Academy Awards and was nominated for Emmys for directing both shows.

"For a very long time, we had always hoped to work with Don Mischer," Zadan and Meron said in a statement Thursday. "His talent and reputation are unsurpassed and we're so happy he will be our collaborator on the 85th Academy Awards."

"I am so very excited to be directing the Academy Awards again this year and to be working with creative producers like Craig and Neil," said Mischer. "All of us at Don Mischer Productions are also thrilled to be producing the Oscar pre-show and most significantly to continue a wonderfully gratifying relationship with the Academy [of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences."

The ceremony honoring the best in film for 2012 is to take place Feb. 24 at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood and Highland Center. The event will be televised live on the ABC television metwork.